as in monarchs
one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority
the aging ruler agonized over the choice of an heir
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rulers
The forts, palaces, gardens, mosques, mausoleums, and even cities that Mughal rulers commissioned reflect their ambition and affluence as much as their tastes and sensibilities.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Apr. 2026
An ancient Turkish name, Aslan was also used as a title for medieval Turkic rulers.
—Lydia Wang, Parents, 12 Apr. 2026
Trump has asserted that Iran's new rulers are more moderate.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
The timetable—two years, five years—will depend in equal measure on what Dubai’s rulers do and on circumstances beyond their control.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
The records do not show if Epstein’s advice was considered by the Saudi rulers.
—Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
Part of the Wu kingdom, Shenduntou’s bronze industry was likely responsible (along with famed military advisor Sun Tsu) for the Wu rulers’ successful territorial expansions in the 6th century BC.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Targeting property Iran’s judiciary has begun seizing the property of public figures critical of the country’s rulers, under an anti-espionage law approved during last year’s 12-day war with Israel that punishes media and cultural activities deemed to support Iran’s enemies.
—Amir-Hussein Radjy, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
The Hanukkah celebration dates back to the second century BC when Greek rulers tried to force Jews to abandon their religion and adapt to Greek cultural practices instead.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Dec. 2024
Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Apr. 2026
An ancient Turkish name, Aslan was also used as a title for medieval Turkic rulers.
—Lydia Wang, Parents, 12 Apr. 2026
Trump has asserted that Iran's new rulers are more moderate.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
The timetable—two years, five years—will depend in equal measure on what Dubai’s rulers do and on circumstances beyond their control.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
The records do not show if Epstein’s advice was considered by the Saudi rulers.
—Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
Part of the Wu kingdom, Shenduntou’s bronze industry was likely responsible (along with famed military advisor Sun Tsu) for the Wu rulers’ successful territorial expansions in the 6th century BC.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Targeting property Iran’s judiciary has begun seizing the property of public figures critical of the country’s rulers, under an anti-espionage law approved during last year’s 12-day war with Israel that punishes media and cultural activities deemed to support Iran’s enemies.
—Amir-Hussein Radjy, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
The Hanukkah celebration dates back to the second century BC when Greek rulers tried to force Jews to abandon their religion and adapt to Greek cultural practices instead.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rulers
Noun
-
Officials recently unveiled the discovery of an 11th-century wax seal belonging to one of the most influential monarchs in English history.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Continental Legacy features comforting meals that India’s monarchs would have served their visiting guests from the continent, going from a Velouté de Morilles to an English trifle pudding.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Edward, known for his strong piety, is also distinguished as one of the few English kings to be canonized.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
-
People too often imagine the Church as having played second fiddle in colonial history, jumping on opportunities opened up by the actions of kings, navigators, and merchants.—
Tim Brinkhof,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The product does draw from an era when tea and citrus were rare indulgences reserved for emperors and symbols of refinement, vitality, and cross-cultural connection.—
Anne Bratskeir,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The folly of the ancient Roman emperors springs to mind here.—
Susan B. Glasser,
New Yorker,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Encouraged and frightened by the events at Naples, other sovereigns granted constitutions.—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Whatever their precise content, the blessings of liberty allow people to be something like sovereigns over their own lives.—
Cass Sunstein,
Big Think,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rulers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rulers. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
